Barium Swallow
Reviewed
Also called: esophagogram, esophagram, upper GI series, swallowing study, esophagography, modified barium swallow study
A barium swallow, also called an esophagogram, is an imaging test that checks for problems in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- To help diagnose conditions affecting the upper GI tract, such as ulcers, GERD, hiatal hernia, structural problems, or tumors.
- To evaluate symptoms like trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating.
Preparation and collection
Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. You will probably be asked to fast (not eat or drink) after midnight on the night before the test. You may be asked to avoid anything that might coat your throat, such as smoking, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy. You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
A barium swallow is most often done by a radiologist or radiology technician. You will swallow a drink that contains barium. While you swallow, the radiologist will watch images of the barium traveling down your throat to your upper GI tract. The procedure may take from 30 to 60 minutes.
You should not have this test if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation can be harmful to a developing baby. For others, there is little risk to having this test. Tell your provider if you have any known allergies to the barium used in the test. You may have constipation if all of the barium doesn't pass out of your body after the procedure. But if you continue to have constipation, contact your provider.
Understanding results
Your provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests to understand the results of your barium swallow.
- Normal: A normal result means that no abnormalities in size, shape, and movement were found in your upper GI tract. Limitation: Your provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests to understand the results of your barium swallow. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Abnormal: If your results were not normal, it may mean you have one of the following conditions: hiatal hernia, ulcers, tumors, polyps, diverticula, a condition in which small sacs form in the inner wall of the intestine, esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus that can make it hard to swallow. Limitation: Your provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests to understand the results of your barium swallow. Next step: Your results may also show signs of esophageal cancer. If your provider thinks you may have it, they may do a procedure called an esophagoscopy.
- The test provides images, not a definitive diagnosis; further testing may be needed.
- Radiation exposure is small but cumulative; inform your provider of recent X-rays.
- Barium may cause constipation; contact your provider if persistent.
- Allergic reaction to barium is possible but rare.
- The test is not recommended during pregnancy.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What does a normal or abnormal result mean for my health?
- How should I prepare for the test?
- Are there any risks or side effects from the barium or X-rays?
- How long does the test take and when will I get my results?
- What other tests might I need if the result is abnormal?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.